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The blurring of binaries is the hallmark of contemporary culture. The homogenization of global culture seems to obsessively merge seemingly antithetical ideas, objects and modes of convention. The social and environmental landscapes that construct our daily lives are dynamic canvases in constant flux seeking equilibrium.
Think Tank, a socially progressive art project utilizes urban art to disseminate what they regarded as "thinking points" in a culture that is instead used to talking point. These "thinking points" are reminiscent of a future where harsh binaries merge and transform into a visual spectacle. Their aim is to produce works that communicate both earthly travesty and phenomenal escape. The work engenders a visual narrative that engages the viewer and prompts them to reflect on the phenomenal conventions they hold to be true. Think Tank sees their work as they would expect to see the walls of a future urban metropolis where the blending of organic and digital, highlight the absurdity of "progress".

Ok you got us.... Not quite our own Pandora radio station, but nevertheless this is what it would sound like. So if you'd like to know what feeds our sub-conscious while we cut scrape and paint this would be it. So as Timothy leary says "plug in, tune in, and drop out"... you are an official Think Tanker.

From ballpoint pen drawings that resemble fine woodcuts to layers of photographic montage, from custom stencils and handmade tools, from canvas, ceramic and cloth, "Against the Wall" explores the practices of aerosol art, a controversial medium, according to Dana Simpson, gallery manager.

"When one realizes the nuance and imagery an artist can achieve by manipulating a 'burst' of paint, a spray can becomes a tool of immense creativity. Influenced by street art, pop culture, mural painting, advertising and calligraphy, aerosol art is as diverse in reference as it is in representation," said Ms. Simpson in a press release.

"As this diverse group of artists demonstrates, the spray can is not the 'exclusive' brush of aerosol art. What connects these artists is an assertive graphic sensibility, a willingness to be patient in craft and quick in application and the independence to appropriate unconventional materials and images," she said, adding that "aerosol art, by its very nature, alters the designation of art object.

"Through juxtaposition, layers of meaning are revealed. Identifying themselves as self-taught and self-motivated, these Santa Barbara artists have developed unique solutions in both approach and technique. Together, the body of work on view is a collective effort to bring visual language 'from the street' to the gallery wall.

Ms. Simpson said that for the majority of participants, "Against the Wall" is the first presentation of their work in a professional space. The exhibit hopes to provide a deeper understanding of aerosol art and appreciation for this community of artists.

Laura Inks is creative producer and artist liaison on this collaborative project.

In conjunction with the exhibition, a community forum and panel discussion will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 20 in the Faulkner Gallery at the Central Library, 40 E. Anapamu St.

"Giving Voice to a Conflicted Art: Artists, Civic Leaders and Community Members in Conversation" will be moderated by Judi Weisbart, CEO of the Patricia Henley Foundation, which is co-sponsoring the exhibit and forum. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, call 965-7321.

The Arts Fund (www.artsfundsb.org) was established in 1983 with a mission to create, fund and administer programs and projects that foster the arts for the people of Santa Barbara County, to act as a catalyst maximizing the effectiveness of arts resources and to nurture collaborative relationships among arts organizations.

The Arts Fund is best known as the sponsor of the annual Individual Artist Awards, a juried competition open to local artists, and the Teen Arts Mentorship Program, which pairs promising young artists with professional master artists in a workshop setting.

In 2001, The Arts Fund opened its own gallery at the corner of Yanonali and Santa Barbara Streets.

Thank you to everyone who came to the show. It was a great success and one of the board members actually saif it was THE MOST dynamic show she had ever seen at the gallery. I have to saw we can't disagree with that, the place was djed to our ears delight and the chitter chatter filled our minds with interesting things to contemplate. Here are some pictures from the opening, and don't forget to stay tuned to this blog and follow along if you have an account with gmail or blogspot...PEACE

So Here at Think Tank, we're not about hogging the lime light. In Fact if you find us chatting about, we're likely going to be talking about other artists amazing stuff, so in the spirit of exposing the underground... we have an event to share.

The revolutionary New Image Gallery in Los Angeles is having their 15th Anniversary party the day after Think Tank Shows at The Santa Barbara Art Fund Gallery, so after our show rest up for a two day urban art extravaganza. Names like Shepard Farley, The Date Farmers, and Barry Mc Gee, will be gracing the walls of New Image. Now here is the flyer...